Going to Market

It’s been a whirlwind month! Just a few weeks ago I attended the NYC Bridal Fashion Market with BG’s tireless (OK, they may beg to differ with me on that point right now!) Fashion Editors, Dana Wagner and Alison Rowe. We literally ran around the city for days, from morning ‘til night, to see what seemed like a gazillion bridal shows and visited showrooms where the newest gowns were presented. It was both exhausting and exhilarating and it never ceases to amaze me how creative these designers are season after season. And, just a day after the fashion market ended, I accompanied our intrepid Associate Home Design Editor, Aimee Morgan, as she made the rounds of tabletop companies to see what’s in store for bridal registries. Every time I attend the Tabletop Market, I want to completely re-do my kitchen and purchase all new glassware, table items, flatware, etc. My own stuff looks so passé! Anyway, you’ll be seeing lots of fab new items for your registries in upcoming issues of Bridal Guide so be on the lookout.

Of course, it’s impossible for you to actually experience some of the fantastic bridal shows on the pages of the magazine, so we have a special surprise in store for you. With our May/June 2009 issue (on the newsstands in mid-March) you’ll get a free (don’t you just love that word!) CD-ROM featuring all of the bridal shows from the New York market…and there are lots of them with 100s of gorgeous gowns for you to marvel at. Nothing beats actually seeing how a gown looks and moves on the body and you’ll get a sense of the runway show atmosphere—just as if you’re sitting right in the front row.

I thought it would be great if you also heard from some of the designers themselves on the CD, so last week I visited a few NYC-based designers. First stop was Jane Wang’s showroom, where we faced a lobby filled with NYC firemen:

Apparently, an elevator with two women on board dropped a few feet (no injuries, luckily) and about 50 firemen showed up to get them out (very Rescue Me). Let me tell you, what they say about firemen is true: These guys really are cute! But back to business: Here’s lovely Jane Wang in her showroom where she told us about the inspiration behind her creations:

And here are a couple of Jane’s elegant dresses that reflect her exquisite beadwork and sense of glamour:

Jane was terrific as were our videographers Stephanie McArdle and Vic Losic, pictured here surrounded by all the equipment it takes to get the best picture and sound quality:

Then it was on to Birnbaum & Bullock, two incredibly talented designers who work as a team designing their eponymous line. This season they introduced two new lines, the Steven Birnbaum and Robert Bullock collections, and each line has a very distinctive look that beautifully showcases their design aesthetic. Here’s the dynamic duo: that’s Steven Birnbaum on the left and Robert Bullock on the right:

And these three beauties are just a sampling of their fantastic creations:

After interviewing Steven and Robert, we headed to the showroom of Junko Yoshioka who first launched her bridal line six years ago and has seen her business grow over the years. It’s no wonder: Junko’s runway show was a huge hit as dress after dress highlighted her talent for creating sophisticated gowns with a keen sense of individual style. Here are a few displayed in her showroom (don’t you just love that chic coat?):

After our chat with Junko, we visited the Anna Maier-Ulla Maija Couture showroom to talk with designers Charles W. Bunstine II and Allison Fletcher:

Charles and Allison create exquisite gowns and are known for their luxe fabrications, embroidery and draping. Here are just two examples of their craftsmanship:

The following morning, we visited the Priscilla of Boston store where gowns from the Priscilla of Boston collection, Platinum for Priscilla of Boston, Melissa Sweet, Reverie by Melissa Sweet and Vineyard Collection can be bought. This is the Priscilla of Boston group’s PR whiz and all around dynamo Deborah Hughes (Thanks, Deborah, for setting up all the interviews!) pictured with a Platinum dress:

As you can see, the store is dress heaven for brides-to-be on the hunt for that perfect gown:

And, there are headpieces and jewelry items to choose from to really get an idea of how the whole ensemble will come together:

At the store, I spoke with Priscilla of Boston designer Tracy Uomoleale, Vineyard Collection designer, Mark Brower, and Antonio Gual, co-designer (along with Lia McNairy) of Melissa Sweet and Reverie by Melissa Sweet.

I loved having the opportunity to chat with all of these talented designers and, as an editor, greatly appreciate their dedication and skill. Believe me, when people ask me “How can a white dress possibly look any different year after year?” I tell them that they would be very surprised. There’s always a new twist on bridal design and a fresh approach so, all you lucky brides, get ready to shop because I promise—with all the dazzling designs we saw this season—you are sure to find your dream dress. Well, have to run. We’re “closing an issue” now (more on that some other time) and my in-box is overflowing!

Posted by Diane at 10:55 a.m.